logo

Kayaking and canoeing at Whoosh Explore

Whoosh Explore is a community canoe club and paddling centre on the River Stort at Kecksys Farm Marina in Sawbridgeworth. The team runs kayak and canoe taster sessions, family paddles, pub paddles, stand up paddleboarding and boat hire, with trips through the Hertfordshire and Essex countryside. It is a short trip from Bishop's Stortford, Harlow and Hertford, and easy to reach by train from London Liverpool Street. Sessions suit beginners, families, friends and groups.

Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire

Perfect for families

Rentals available

Beginner sessions available

Three people paddling kayaks on the River Stort near Sawbridgeworth in evening sunshine

Stand up paddleboarding on the Stort

The Stand up paddleboarding session is a two-hour introduction to paddleboard touring on the River Stort, guided by the club's instructors. No previous experience is needed. You paddle upstream into the Hertfordshire and Essex countryside, spotting wildlife along the way. Bring along your own wetsuit for the session.

A group with stand up paddleboards at a riverside launch point on the River Stort, with others already on the water

Gift an adventure

Know someone who would love a day on the river? A Whoosh Explore gift voucher lets them choose their own paddling adventure on the River Stort, from a first taster session to a pub paddle with friends.

Whoosh Explore

Kecksys Farm Marina,
Cambridge Road,
Sawbridgeworth,
Hertfordshire,
CM21 9BZ

Whoosh Explore is a community canoe club on the River Stort in Sawbridgeworth, offering kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding on the border of Hertfordshire and Essex, within easy reach of London.

Explore all activities >

Discover more experiences on the eola marketplace >

Map

FAQs

  • Where is Whoosh Explore?

    Whoosh Explore is based at Kecksys Farm Marina, Cambridge Road, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire CM21 9BZ. Look for the track off Cambridge Road between Leventhorpe School and the Welcome to Sawbridgeworth sign. It is just over 3 miles south of Bishop's Stortford and about 25 miles north-east of central London. The Learn to paddle course meets at the 1st Sawbridgeworth Scout Base on Reedings Way, so check your booking for the meeting point.

  • Can I get to Whoosh Explore by train?

    Yes. Kecksys Farm Marina is a short walk along the River Stort towpath from Sawbridgeworth station, which has regular trains from London Liverpool Street and Cambridge. If you drive, there is car parking on site.

  • Where can I go kayaking near Bishop's Stortford?

    Whoosh Explore is just over 3 miles south of Bishop's Stortford on the River Stort. Beginners can book a Taster Kayak session, and experienced paddlers can take out a single touring kayak on Kayak Rental and paddle upstream towards Spellbrook and Bishop's Stortford.

  • Where can I go canoeing near Harlow?

    Whoosh Explore is about 4 miles from Harlow town centre, at Kecksys Farm Marina in Sawbridgeworth. The Taster Canoe Session is a good first paddle for families, and Canoe Rental lets experienced paddlers explore the River Stort Navigation in an open canoe.

  • Where can I go paddleboarding near London?

    Whoosh Explore runs a Stand up paddleboarding session on the River Stort in Sawbridgeworth, about 25 miles from central London and a short walk from Sawbridgeworth station on the line from London Liverpool Street. It is a peaceful, rural stretch of river and no previous experience is needed.

  • Do I need any paddling experience?

    Not for the taster sessions, Family Paddling or the Stand up paddleboarding session, which are designed for beginners. Canoe and kayak hire is self-guided and only for experienced paddlers, so if you are new to paddling, book a guided session or the Learn to paddle course first.

  • Is there a minimum age?

    Kayaks are suitable for paddlers aged 8 and over on Family Paddling, and the Taster Kayak session is best suited to ages 9 and over. Younger children can paddle in a canoe with a family member. All participants should be water confident, and parents or guardians are responsible for their children throughout the session.

  • What is included and what should I bring?

    Boats, paddles and buoyancy aids are provided. It is a good idea to bring:

    • Clothes you don't mind getting wet, or your own wetsuit for paddleboarding
    • Shoes that can get wet
    • A towel and a change of clothes
    • Water, and suncream on sunny days

    Be ready to help carry boats and equipment from the trailer to the river and around locks.

  • Can I paddle to a pub on the River Stort?

    Yes. The Pub Paddle In Canoes is a guided trip for adults in two-person open canoes, with a portage around a traditional lock and a short stop at a thatched country pub with a garden for light refreshments.

  • Does Whoosh Explore run paddling courses?

    Yes. Whoosh Explore is a registered Paddle UK provider. The Learn to paddle course is a three-session series covering canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, and the Canoeing Award - PaddleUK is a six-hour course to develop your personal canoeing skills.

  • Do I need to book in advance?

    Yes, book online in advance to secure your place. Launch points can change with river conditions, so the team will contact you before your session if they need to meet somewhere else. Browse all sessions at Whoosh Explore.